Chapter 314

Chapter 314: Promotion

Shu Rang waved his hand again, and in a blink, they arrived at Thunder Well.

Blinding heaven thunder flashed wildly, like countless sealed lightning serpents writhing within.

“You’re on your own now, I’m leaving,” Shu Rang said, vanishing instantly.

Wang Jie exhaled, feeling a bit frustrated—[why leave so quickly? I still have questions for him.] He shook his head and moved forward; Luo Yan and the others should still be around here somewhere.

Far away, Shu Rang stood motionless amidst the stars, his hand gripping the wine gourd tightly until his knuckles whitened. It was quite some time before he finally disappeared again.

At Thunder Well, Wang Jie soon saw Luo Yan and the others.

They appeared to be doing well, faces glowing with good health.

Luo Yan was delighted upon seeing Wang Jie. Without the resources Wang Jie provided earlier, Luo Yan knew he would never have made it this far. Although not yet considered an elite disciple, he was rapidly approaching the One Glance Three Thousand Realm. Perhaps someday he could even meet the conditions for cultivating a Star Method.

Those who followed Luo Yan also grew more loyal by the day.

Wang Jie chatted briefly with him before descending deeper into Thunder Well.

Without an expert protector by his side, he dared not venture beyond the Deep Thunder Zone. Here, the heaven thunder was perfect for Wandering Star Realm cultivators—challenging yet survivable. If he stepped into the Heavy Thunder Zone, even a single bolt could end his life.

Though he could withstand heaven thunder in the Deep Thunder Zone, a hundred million bolts per second still felt overwhelming, like enduring endless beatings from countless fists.

The strength of heaven thunder here referred only to a single bolt. If dozens struck simultaneously, Wang Jie knew he’d crumble, so he retreated slightly toward the boundary between the Deep and Shallow Thunder Zones.

Just as he prepared to settle into his cultivation, the heaven thunder around him suddenly vanished—someone had arrived.

Wang Jie looked up to see Si Yao approaching.

“Greetings, Senior,” Wang Jie said respectfully, relieved that she’d arrived now rather than interrupting him later.

Si Yao nodded calmly. “How went the mission?”

Wang Jie answered without hesitation: “I succeeded, Senior. I’ve obtained the complete Crimson Moon Technique, ready to teach it to you immediately.”

Surprise flickered in Si Yao’s eyes. “You truly obtained it?”

“Indeed.”

“And you’re willing to hand it over?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Wang Jie said earnestly. “I’m a member of Star Dome Visage. Whatever it requires, I’ll give it my all.”

Si Yao stared at Wang Jie carefully, unable to tell if he was sincere or not. Yet it seemed genuine that he was willing to relinquish the Crimson Moon Technique.

“You realize,” Si Yao began, “the Crimson Moon Technique is more than a mere cultivation art—it involves…”

“The Nan family’s secrets,” Wang Jie finished calmly.

Si Yao’s gaze deepened. “The Nan family has obtained numerous secrets through the Four Seasons Train. The Crimson Moon Technique is the key to unlocking them. Knowing this, do you still wish to give it up? Let me remind you—the mission can be failed.”

Wang Jie appeared puzzled. “Senior seems reluctant for me to hand over the technique?”

“Not exactly,” Si Yao replied softly. “I’m simply offering you a choice.”

“Junior willingly hands over the Crimson Moon Technique without regret,” Wang Jie stated decisively.

Si Yao’s eyes revealed approval, and she nodded. “Good.”

Wang Jie then passed on the full details of the Crimson Moon Technique to Si Yao.

Without hesitation, Si Yao declared Wang Jie had successfully completed his task, promoting him immediately to Analyst.

“An Analyst is the second rank within our Star Dome Visage, higher than Observers. Analysts may invite others to join Star Dome Visage, manage Observers in a region, and even issue missions to them.”

“Of course,” she continued, “your responsibilities grow heavier. You’ll receive tasks more frequently, and no individual rewards will accompany their completion.”

Wang Jie responded excitedly, “Junior seeks no rewards. It’s an honor to serve Star Dome Visage.”

Si Yao chuckled lightly. “Very few in Star Dome Visage history have risen so quickly on their first mission. The reason you were allowed to advance this rapidly was partly because of the importance of the Nan family’s Crimson Moon Technique, but it was also a test.”

“Had you kept the Crimson Moon Technique to yourself,” she paused meaningfully, “you would never rise again.”

Wang Jie raised an eyebrow, thankful he’d made the right choice.

Star Dome Visage was a colossal force, recognized even by his casual master. The mission at the club alone had demonstrated its extraordinary reach, pinpointing the identity of Nan family descendants with ease.

When it came to secrets, who could rival Star Dome Visage?

Rapid advancement rarely seen in history versus never advancing again—it had indeed been thrilling.

Before Si Yao departed, she gave Wang Jie a list naming Observers within the Fourth Star Cloud.

There was only one name on the list—Ji Xiang Wan.

Observers had all endured the trials of Tai Qiong Walkers, so their numbers remained few. Wang Jie himself had been the last chosen; clearly, Ji Xiang Wan was exceptional as well.

The introduction was brief: Hundred Star Realm, White Hunter.

White Hunters served directly under White Realm Lord, each a powerhouse of the Hundred Star Realm.

In other words, Wang Jie now had a Hundred Star Realm cultivator beneath him, someone he could directly command.

The thought felt pleasing enough—though having a few more people wouldn’t hurt.

Soon after, Wang Jie settled into deep cultivation within Thunder Well, ignoring the rest of the world.

…

A thousand rivers ran endless, mist shrouding the Cold Smoke Ferry—gateway to the Azure Nether River beneath the Eastern Dipper Bridge Pillar.

Legend spoke of Azure Nether River as a magical realm. From there, one could soar upward, touching the highest reaches of the bridge pillar and gazing out across an endless starry sea.

Yet, everyone knew the entrance lay at Cold Smoke Ferry, though no one could ever find it. Even those who called Cold Smoke Ferry home knew not the way into Azure Nether River.

Countless souls gathered along the Thousand Rivers, waiting at every flowing passage, hoping only for a glimpse of the fearsome Three-Legged Black Tortoise.

Yet, the Thousand Rivers stretched endlessly, like ribbons across the galaxy. No one could say where the great beast would appear.

“Father, are we truly here to propose marriage? We haven’t even met her before. Isn’t this too sudden?”

“Sudden, my foot! Look around—who isn’t here to propose marriage? Just perform your best. If she takes a liking to you, our family’s fortune will soar.”

“Isn’t this just sacrificing my happiness?”

“What did you say?”

“Nothing at all, Father. Please continue, continue.” He chuckled nervously.

Around them, murmurs rose from every direction. Countless eyes stared intently at the Thousand Rivers, afraid they might miss even a single glimpse.

Suddenly, someone shouted in excitement, “It’s here! Over here, right where we are!”

Countless eyes widened, gazing far into the distance.

At the same moment, many sent out messages. Powerful families had placed people at every possible angle around the Thousand Rivers, determined not to miss the arrival of the Three-Legged Black Tortoise.

Far in the distance, clouds swirled gently forward, veiling Han Yan Crossing within their misty embrace. Amid the haze, one could faintly see a thousand peaks rising like spears, ten thousand cliffs spread like an open fan. Cold mist lingered about the mountains, lush with rare blossoms and sacred herbs, graceful bamboo, and lofty pines. Colorful mist shimmered, as though the sun and moon themselves scattered their brilliance here.

As it drew near, wondrous cries echoed through the starry expanse, voices no distance of the universe could silence.

Some sounds brought tranquility to the heart. As rays of colorful light swept by, one felt transported to a blessed paradise.

This was none other than—Han Yan Crossing.

“The Southern Dipper Bridge Pillar, the Ling family, brings forth descendants and clan members to greet Young Lady Gui Xiao Die!”

“The Eastern Dipper Bridge Pillar, the Luo Nan Shan family brings forth…”

“The Big Dipper Bridge Pillar…”

Countless people shouted, bowing respectfully toward Han Yan Crossing.

Many young people were forcibly pressed down into bows. Though resentful, none dared show their displeasure openly.

Others simply watched for entertainment, whispering eagerly among themselves, “Who do you think Young Lady Gui Xiao Die will choose?”

“Who knows? But whoever is chosen will ascend instantly to glory. Those who’ve married into Han Yan Crossing may never leave again, but their families gain eternal protection, feared and respected by all.”

“Yes, but most important is gaining a glimpse into Qing Ming River, one of the Four Great Bridge Pillars’ most mysterious places.”

“Honestly, if it were me, I’d never marry in. Anyone who made it here has some status—why not just enjoy life outside? Who knows what fate awaits those who enter? No one who’s married in ever came back out. Perhaps they’ve all died.”

“Shush! Are you courting death? If wandering gods hear you, they’ll cut you down.”

“Exactly, and Gui Chuan, one of the Four Traveling Gods, is Gui Xiao Die’s elder brother. Tsk, whoever marries her might spend the rest of his life bowing his head.”

Han Yan Crossing came to a halt.

A woman’s clear and proud voice rang out, “I am Gui Xiao Die. I know exactly why you’ve come, so no need for courtesies.”

“If you wish to marry me, and enter Han Yan Crossing, you may. But know this—I am unlike my predecessors. Whoever marries me shall become my husband in truth, not merely an adopted son-in-law. Within Han Yan Crossing, none shall dare bully you, and outside, no one would dare threaten your family.”

“This is my promise, Gui Xiao Die’s promise.”

Everyone who heard this was stunned speechless.

This young lady seemed entirely different from the previous women of Han Yan Crossing, who merely took husbands in.

Excitement grew among the crowd, each family hoping desperately that their heir might marry this woman, securing prosperity. Any alliance with Han Yan Crossing guaranteed eternal strength, for the Crossing stood isolated from worldly conflict yet commanded awe from all, including even the mighty Bridge Pillars.

“But marrying me, Gui Xiao Die, isn’t so simple. You must first accomplish three impossibilities.”

“First, defeat a wandering god.”

“Second, defeat the Star Guardian Tian Cang.”

“Third, defeat the Three-Legged Black Tortoise beneath your feet.”

“Only by meeting these three conditions can you be qualified to marry me, to conquer me, Gui Xiao Die. Have you heard clearly?”

An uproar exploded through the crowd. Countless stunned faces turned toward Han Yan Crossing.

What sort of conditions were these? No wonder they were called impossible.

Truly impossible.

Even the first condition alone blocked everyone’s path.

Defeat a wandering god? Of course, this meant one of the Four Traveling Gods. Yet, what sort of existence were these gods? What power? Within their realm, none surpassed them. Even those of higher realms dared not act arrogant before them, for they stood at the peak of the Wandering Star Realm.

The only beings who could defeat wandering gods were wandering gods themselves.

Wasn’t this clearly meant to discourage them?

Someone finally spoke up, “Young Lady Xiao Die, your elder brother, Gui Chuan, is himself one of the Four Traveling Gods. Given your close relationship, you must clearly know his strength. May I ask, who could possibly defeat your elder brother? He is invincible in the Wandering Star Realm. Those at the Hundred Star Realm far surpass Young Lady in age, thus impossible to marry. Your conditions truly make it difficult.”

“Indeed, please reconsider your conditions, Young Lady.”

“Anyone capable of defeating a wandering god would hardly wish to become a son-in-law at Han Yan Crossing,” another added.

Many murmured agreement.

Which family would willingly offer a genius capable of defeating wandering gods to Han Yan Crossing? Such a person was their clan’s hope of prosperity.

Gui Xiao Die responded coldly, her voice proud and unyielding, “My conditions are these three impossibilities. Whoever completes them may offer it as the bridal gift to propose marriage at Han Yan Crossing. And my dowry, Gui Xiao Die’s dowry, shall certainly not be less valuable.”

“May I ask Young Lady, what is your dowry?” someone boldly shouted.

Gui Xiao Die laughed coldly and replied, “It is precisely this—the Three-Legged Black Tortoise.”

Silence fell instantly, a shocked stillness gripping all present. Every eye stared in astonishment toward the misty clouds resting gently upon the Thousand Rivers.

The Three-Legged Black Tortoise?

As a dowry?

How could this possibly be?